Current Trainee and Workforce Patterns for Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery in the United States.

Objective: Thyroid and parathyroid surgery is performed by both general surgeons and otolaryngologists. We describe the proportion of surgeries performed by specialty, providing data to support decisions about when and to whom to direct research, education, and quality improvement interventions.

Methods: We tabulated case numbers for privately insured patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery in Marketscan: 2010-2016 and trainee case logs for residents and fellows in general surgery and otolaryngology.

Lessons Learned From a Single-Surgeon Experience of More Than 1700 Parathyroidectomies.

Objective: To define critical elements that contribute to successful parathyroidectomy based on a high-volume single-surgeon experience and explore learning curve characteristics.

Study Design: Systematic analysis of prospectively maintained quality assurance database.

Setting: Academic tertiary care endocrine surgery practice.

In Search of a Performing Seal: Rethinking the Design of Tight-Fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment Facepieces for Users With Facial Hair.

Background: Air-purifying, tight-fitting facepieces are examples of respiratory protective equipment and are worn to protect workers from potentially harmful particulate and vapors. Research shows that the presence of facial hair on users' face significantly reduces the efficacy of these devices. This article sets out to establish if an acceptable seal could be achieved between facial hair and the facepiece.